Visiting Manchester United may appear a nightmare cup draw however for Europa League royalty Sevilla, a shuttle to hallowed turf like Old Trafford on Thursday supplies a welcome smash from truth.
The Andalucians, led via Jose Luis Mendilibar — their 3rd trainer of the season — had been mired in a relegation scrap in La Liga, however to find themselves on extra acquainted floor in Europe.
Record six-time Europa League champions, Sevilla’s avid gamers are extra conversant in struggling with for silverware than survival, and feature proven indicators of growth underneath Mendilibar.
That provides them some hope of overcoming Erik ten Hag’s three-time European Cup winner within the remaining 8, which might earn redemption with supporters after a 12 months to put out of your mind.
“I’m convinced that, in Europe, Sevilla are respected more than in La Liga, because of what they have done in the Europa League, with a lot of titles quite recently,” mentioned Mendilibar in March after taking up from Jorge Sampaoli.
“In Manchester they will feel they are favourites, but with respect to Sevilla.”
Behind Sevilla, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have every gained the trophy thrice, whilst Manchester United lifted it as soon as, in 2017.
Despite retaining their very own in opposition to such esteemed corporate at the continent, regionally Sevilla have fallen and are lately thirteenth, 5 issues above the ground 3.
“(We’re doing) quite well in European competition, unlike the national league, sadly,” mentioned veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitic instructed UEFA.
“But we know Sevilla’s overall history in Europe.”
season of combat
Sevilla’s combat began when the membership’s deficient monetary state compelled them to promote key defenders Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos to Barcelona and Aston Villa respectively, ripping in part one of the most continent’s sturdiest backlines.
A raffle on former Real Madrid playmaker Isco didn’t paintings, with the participant leaving in December via mutual consent.
Despite a deficient end remaining season, the membership made up our minds to stay Julen Lopetegui on the helm, however changed him in October after only one win in 10 video games.
A 4-1 hammering via Borussia Dortmund within the Champions League used to be the overall straw, and Sampaoli used to be appointed for his 2d spell on the membership.
The Argentine trainer helped the crew to a attract Dortmund and a win over Copenhagen to verify they’d drop into the Europa League, fairly than out of Europe fully.
Despite overcoming PSV and Fenerbahce to arrange a quarter-final conflict with Manchester United, Sampaoli’s dismal league shape noticed him got rid of with the crew 14th, simply two issues above the drop zone.
Mendilibar is working with a back-to-basics, extra direct taste. It paid fast dividends with a 2-0 win at relegation competitors Cadiz in its first recreation.
They moved two objectives up in opposition to Celta Vigo remaining Friday of their 2d fit, earlier than the guests struck two times overdue on on the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan go to push Sevilla again into the scrap.
Morocco global Youssef En-Nesyri has discovered his capturing boots and is an aerial risk, which might be helpful at Old Trafford.
Lucas Ocampos, again from mortgage at Ajax, is some other explosive possibility who may give Mendilibar’s aspect a combating likelihood of a end result at the highway, along side the difficult Bryan Gil, on mortgage from Tottenham.
Sevilla won’t be able to name on midfield powerhouse Pape Gueye, who isn’t registered for the contest, whilst United could have Casemiro to be had after his Premier League suspension.
“Here in the city, people say the Europa League is Sevilla’s competition,” added Rakitic.
“It’s one thing which belongs to us as a result of we now have gained it six instances within the remaining 15 or so years.
“Respect to everyone who’s also won it, but it is somehow our competition.”